The Witcher bosses hit back at Game of Thrones comparisons – insisting Netflix show ‘is something else’ entirely
THE Witcher hit Netflix today – and show bosses have a lot to say about the inevitable comparisons to Game of Thrones.
In the wake of the most popular fantasy drama of all time wrapping up earlier this year, it’s no surprise that fans of the genre would be using Game of Thrones as a point of reference when it came to diving into The Witcher.
However, execs have urged prospective viewers to resist doing so, claiming the two shows have little in common aside from the obvious magic and monsters.
Showrunner Lauren Schmidt Hissrich said she never used Westeros as a frame of reference when rendering Geralt of Rivia’s world.
"When people first started asking me, I hadn't even thought about it, because I'm a huge fan of Game of Thrones," she told Digital Spy.
"I loved watching it. When people started saying, 'Could you be the next Game of Thrones?' it's like, 'What?!'”
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She noted that while Game of Thrones may have paved the way for fantasy among mainstream audiences, it was by no means binding the only model to follow.
"I think what people are saying: 'Can you be as successful and popular as Game of Thrones?' God, we hope so! I mean, why wouldn't you want that?” she continued.
“To me, I think that Game of Thrones has kicked open a lot of doors for fantasy on television. I think fantasy used to be seen as for a very niche audience, mostly male, mostly geeks and nerd - that's who fantasy was for.
"And Game of Thrones said, 'No, anyone can find themselves in fantasy'. Because, when done correctly, fantasy is a reflection of our real world."
The sentiment was echoed by other members of the team, with fellow producer Tomasz Baginski urging people to look at The Witcher as content in its own right, rather than a fantasy successor.
"At the same time, The Witcher is very different. It's so different. Yes, Game of Thrones was absolutely amazing. It's amazing to watch, and a great TV show,” he said.
“But we're doing The Witcher. It's something else. There is not really a comparison."
The Sun Online was impressed with The Witcher, celebrating it as a triumph of carnage, comedy and kink.
Here’s hoping it doesn’t get hit with the same backlash as Game of Thrones’ final season when it decides to bring things to an end.
The Witcher is available to stream on Netflix now.